Lions of the Sky

Sam Richardson is a fighter pilot’s pilot, a reluctant legend with a gut-eating secret. He is in the last span of his tour as an instructor, yearning to get back to the real action of the Fleet, when he is ordered to take on one last class—a class that will force him to confront his carefully quarantined demons.

Brash, carefree, and naturally gifted, Keely Silvers is the embodiment of all that grates on him. After years of single-minded dedication, she and her classmates can see the finish line. They are months away from achieving their life-long dream, flying Navy F/A-18 fighters. They are smart and hard-working, but they’re just kids with expensive new toys. They’re eager to rush through training and escape to the freedom of the world beyond, a world they view as a playground full of fast jets and exotic locales.

But Sam knows there is a darker side to the profession he loves. There is trouble brewing in the East with global implications. If they make it past him they will be cast into a dangerous world where enemy planes cruise the skies over the South China Sea like sharks, loaded with real weapons and hidden intentions.

Early Praise

“Lions of the Sky is an action packed story that made me feel like I was back in the cockpit for the first time in a long time! A must read for any military aviation enthusiast. If you ever wondered what fighter pilots dream about, this is it!”

Meagan Varley Flanniganpilot featured in Speed and Angels, F-14 and F/A-18 fighter pilot

“I was absolutely catapulted into the action! Paco put me right back in the cockpit and the Ready Room. Lions of the Sky is intense, and personal, and thrilling. A must read!”

Lea GabrielleJournalist and F/A-18 Naval Aviator

“If you wanted to be a fighter pilot but couldnʼt, for whatever reason, this book (hopefully series) provides an incredible description. Read it. Then youʼll want to read it again. Itʼs that good.”

Jay Consalvifighter pilot featured in Speed and Angels, winner of Reno Air Races Unlimited Gold 2017

“Paco is one of the best pilots I know, and a damn good storyteller. Lions of the Sky is gripping, fast paced, and authentic. If you want a real, edge of the envelope thriller, look no further!”

Brandon WebbFormer Navy SEAL, pilot and New York Times Bestselling author

“Paco Chierici has written a humdinger of a book. He shows how hard it is to become a Naval aviator—the greatest pilots in the world—and how inherently dangerous this work is, even in training. Through vividly drawn characters, he takes us inside a Navy fighter squadron showing their incredibly difficult day to day lives, including the obstacles women still face in this tight knit community. This is a terrific window into a world very few people see.”

The Honorable Ray MabuS75th United States Secretary of the Navy

“An experienced fighter pilot, Paco Chierici knows what he's writing about here. Fans of military fiction, strap into your favorite ejection seat and get ready for a high speed, G-pulling, missile-shooting thrill ride. LIONS OF THE SKY is the real deal."

Ward Carrollauthor of PUNK'S WAR, PUNK'S WING, and PUNK'S FIGHT

“Paco Chierici's debut novel is an unforgettable story of pride, lust, loss, betrayal and redemption...set today in a carrier-based fighter squadron in combat. Timely and gripping, Lions of the Sky is an exciting supersonic techno-thriller with well-written g-spikes of human drama that kept me turning the pages. Strap in and arm your seat!”

Kevin Millerbestselling author of the Raven One trilogy

“In this fast paced, riveting and suspenseful novel about superpower conflicts, Paco c vividly depicts the heroism of Navy pilots from training to deployment. His strong story telling skills propel readers from zero to 450 knots in the very first few pages. Throughout, Paco presents a profound and dynamic view of the dangers of war and the challenges the Navy has in integrating women, fully, and equally into the most elite portion of our armed forces—-Carrier Fighter Pilots. This is an outstanding read and one I very highly recommend.”